Contact lenses are designed to provide a discreet and comfortable vision correction solution. But while these devices offer immense benefits, they can’t be worn forever. Depending on the type of product you use, you’ll need to take out your contacts on a fairly regular basis to clean or replace them. To keep your eyes healthy, here are a few important details about changing contacts, and how often you should do it.

A Guide to Contact Use & Care

Why Is Changing Contacts Necessary?

Leaving contacts on for too long can result in a variety of problems that negatively impact eye health. For example, after a certain period, they will become dry and irritate your eyes and contribute to blurry vision. In some cases, the lenses may scratch your cornea and cause severe pain. Eventually, bacteria will accumulate on the lenses and increase your risk of developing an eye infection.

How Often Should You Take Your Contacts Out?

In general, it’s best to take your contacts out before you sleep, if you go swimming, or take a shower. Even if you use extended wear lenses, keeping these devices on for too long without cleaning them can still result in discomfort and increased infection risk.

Whatever type you use, be sure to follow the guidelines for disposal and replacement. Dailies, for instance, should be taken out and thrown away every day. Extended wear options, however, may be cleaned and reused for two weeks or up to a month. Conventional rigid permeable gas lenses last a bit longer and can be used for anywhere from six months to a year.

What is the Best Way to Remove Contacts?

To avoid damaging your eye, remove your contact lenses properly. To do so, hold your eyelids open with one hand while using a clean finger from the other hand to slide the lens down to the bottom of the eye. When the contact lens reaches the bottom eyelid, pinch and slide the device out.

How Do You Keep Lenses Clean?

If you have reusable contacts, keep them in a proper storage case with the appropriate cleansing solution. While different products require different types of cleansing solutions, they are all designed to break down buildup and keep the lens clean for your next use.

Are you curious about contact lenses? If so, the friendly team at Staarman Family Vision Center can introduce you to a wide range of corrective eyewear solutions. Depending on your personal preferences and vision prescription, this Fairfield, OH, eye doctor will introduce you to a variety of comfortable contact lenses. Through one-on-one instruction, this provider will also show you how to wear, remove, and clean these devices properly. To learn more about the comprehensive vision services they offer, visit this Butler County vision center online. If you’re due for an eye exam, call (513) 874-1718 to schedule a convenient appointment.